Nomination Letter and Seconds
What people are saying about Russ
It is with great enthusiasm and complete confidence that I write this letter to offer my full support for Russ Libby for the position of Secretary of the PGA of America.
Throughout his distinguished career, Russ has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the game of golf, but more importantly to the advancement of PGA Professionals. His profound understanding of the industry, combined with his leadership abilities and progressive vision for the future, makes him the ideal candidate to serve our association as an officer and eventually as the President of our association.
I have personally witnessed Russ’s dedication to empowering fellow professionals, fostering growth at the facility level, and championing the needs of our Association. He possesses a unique blend of business acumen, operational expertise, and a genuine passion for the PGA Member. Under his leadership, I am confident that the PGA of America will continue to innovate while staying true to the core values of our association.
Russ checks all the qualified boxes for this role. His transparency, collaborative spirit, and strategic thinking are exactly what we need at the national level to guide our Association through the evolving landscape of the golf industry. I proudly endorse Russ Libby for PGA of America Secretary and encourage my fellow PGA Members to get behind his campaign.
Michael Doctor, MPGA | New York | PGA of America Hall of Fame Inductee 2009, PGA of America Professional of the Year 2013
It has been my pleasure to know and work with Russ Libby for more than 20 years in the North Florida PGA Section. Russ has served the PGA of America in every possible way, including being Section President and as a District Director and National Board Member. He can do it all — host, serve, teach, speak and play. He is a leader in the community. Russ is just the right age, with success at every level, to get elected as an Officer of the PGA of America in November of 2026.
Duke Butler, PGA | Texas PGA Golf Hall of Fame, 1986; North Florida PGA Hall of Fame, 2026
Russ Libby is a thoughtful and pragmatic leader who brings as much or more experience to the boardroom as anyone who has run for national office. Additionally, he is a man of character who will represent the PGA of America with honor.
Dan Pasternak, PGA | Essex Fells Country Club, Morristown, NJ | 2018 PGA of America Professional of the Year | 2013 PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award Recipient
I had the great honor of serving alongside Russ Libby as a section officer at the North Florida PGA. During my time there, I found Russ to be a passionate advocate for the game of golf and its professionals. He is well spoken, thoughtful, and brings a steady, inclusive leadership style that earns trust and builds consensus. Russ consistently leads with integrity, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to advancing the PGA and its members. He is the clear choice as our next Secretary of our Association.
Matt Jordan, MPGA | The Olympic Club, San Francisco, CA
I served with Russ as a member of the Board of Control for three years. During this period I saw Russ’s dedication to the PGA member and the PGA of America. All of his decisions were always well thought out. Always to protect the PGA badge and the PGA of America. Russ has served in every capacity as a PGA member from Chapter and Section Board Member and Officer, some positions multiple terms. Russ also served as a PGA National Board Member and has chaired and been a member on multiple committees. As Secretary he will be a leader in the Board of Control room with his experience as a former Board of Control member.
Russ is also highly respected in his community, where he has volunteered his time to coach the Bolles Boys Golf Team, which won a State Championship. Russ has also been a leader in promoting tourism in the Jacksonville area. His position at Hidden Hills allows him to represent the PGA of America in the highest regard. Russ will also work well with his fellow officers, as he is a team player. The most important support he will receive will be from his family, who are 100 percent behind his candidacy to be the next Secretary of the PGA of America.
Kyle Heyen, PGA | President, Colorado PGA | PGA Board of Directors, 2014-2017 | PGA Hall of Fame, 2013 | PGA Board of Control, 2008-2012
I had the opportunity to work with Russ Libby at Sawgrass Country Club, where I saw firsthand his commitment to the game of golf, his team and the PGA of America. His years of service speak for themselves, but what stands out most is his consistent dedication to the men and women of the PGA. Russ is a steady and genuine leader who leads by example and puts others first. He has always been committed to helping people grow and that's something I experienced personally through his mentorship. I'm grateful for the impact he's had on me personally and professionally. Much of who I am is a direct result of his guidance and friendship.
Russ is someone you respect for his leadership, his professionalism and the way he carries himself both at work and in his personal life. I fully support Russ as our next secretary of The PGA of America and believe he will serve the membership with the same integrity and commitment he has shown throughout his career.
Nick Papadakes, PGA | Onwentsia Club, Lake Forest, IL
PGA of America Professional Development Award, 2023 | Illinois PGA President, 2020
While many golf professionals in our association have served as elected leaders at a high level, Russ Libby stands out as someone who not only leads effectively but also brings people together to reach consensus for the betterment of our association. Over the years, he has consistently proven to be a strong advocate for what we do as golf professionals at the local, regional, and national levels. I am proud to endorse Russ Libby for Secretary of the PGA of America.
Patrick Richardson, PGA | Westerfield Club, Tuscaloosa, AL | PGA of America Board Member, 2016-2019 | Georgia PGA Past President
I have known Russ Libby for 35 years. I had hired him to work on my team at a busy Orlando resort operation as our Tournament Coordinator. He was a star; his personality, reliability, and attention to detail made his performance reviews uncomplicated. His love of the game was strong. He had big plans.
Russ Libby 2026 is a PGA Professional with the experience, character and vision equal to the challenge of eight years of leadership. He will be a great team mate. You will watch his spirit to serve in action, sense his instinctive ability to steer the ship in rough waters, and understand his foundation in the core values we need to embrace as an organization to reach our full potential.
Tony Austin, PGA | Retired Life Member | Past PGA Director, District 13 | Past President, NFPGA
Russ is a consummate PGA Professional with over a quarter century of service to the NFPGA, PGA of America, and fellow PGA Members across our 41 Sections. He has remained involved in growth of the game, inclusion and diversity programs. He has been in governance in chapter, section and national levels, including time served on both the PGA of America Board of Control and as a National Board Member.
In my humble opinion when you look up the meaning and definition of what our next PGA of America Secretary should be, it is described by how Russ has lived his life both on and off the golf course. I give my full support of Russ Libby, PGA as our Association’s next Secretary.
Stephen E. Nacewicz, PGA | Crestwood Golf Club, Marcy, NY | CNY PGA President, 2014-2016 | CNY PGA Hall of Fame, 2020
I have known Russ Libby for many years and consider him to be extremely qualified for the role of a National Officer for The PGA of America. I have known many national PGA Presidents and Officers and am certain that Russ would be one of the best if he is elected. He cares about what matters the most — representing PGA professionals and associates, the game, and our Championships to the highest degree! I support his candidacy one hundred percent and urge anyone looking for the Best candidate to do the same.
Dennis Walters, PGA | World Golf Hall of Fame | PGA Hall of Fame
I do not know one PGA member I trust more with the future of our association than Russ Libby. He has a deep commitment to work for the good of individual members and groups of members that make up Chapters and Sections. He has a proven record of excellence as a golf professional, Chapter leader, Section leader, Board of Control member, and District Director. His vast leadership experience has prepared him for this moment in our Association’s history. I enthusiastically endorse Russ Libby to be our next Secretary of the PGA of America.
Trey Van Dyke, PGA | Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lamont, IL | PGA Board of Control, 2013-2017 | Illinois PGA Past President
In an ever-changing world, experience matters. Russ Libby has experience at the golf course, in the board room and in representing the PGA at a national level.
Cathy Harbin, MPGA | President, National Golf Course Owners of America
Giving of himself selflessly, consistently, and without fanfare is makes Russ Libby the obvious choice to me for our next Secretary. Every candidate is qualified, but to be as well versed in PGA Governance, Membership Issues and the Budgetary/Financial condition of our Association is what sets Russ apart. He has a depth of knowledge that will greatly benefit and protect our most important asset, the PGA Member, and he will be able to navigate and shape the future of The PGA of America and the golf industry in the years to come.
Jim Dorman, PGA | Greenville Golf & Country Club, Greenville, MS | PGA of America Board Member, 2015-2018 | Gulf States PGA Past President
We have a gifted leader of uncommon character, proven judgment, and deep commitment among us. For more than 30 years, I have had the privilege of knowing Russ Libby and witnessing his steady pursuit of excellence for the PGA Member. Russ Libby has the passion, experience, and courage to help strengthen our PGA governance, improve our financial well-being, and focus our strategic work on outcomes that truly benefit our Association and the PGA Members.
He understands that good governance is about accountability, transparency, collaboration, and the responsibility to put Members first. His integrity, business experience, and record of service give me great confidence that he will approach the office of PGA Secretary with deliberation, independence, and a respect for the trust placed in national leadership.
With great confidence and a firm belief in the future of our Association, I wholeheartedly endorse Russ Libby for election to the office of PGA Secretary for the PGA of America. I urge those who care deeply about the strength, accountability, and future of the PGA of America to join me in supporting his election.
James Deaton, MPGA | Retired Life Member; PGA Rules Committee
Russ Libby is among the finest PGA Professionals—and finest men—I’ve had the privilege to know. He embodies everything the PGA of America stands for: integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to elevating the game and those who play it. A devoted husband, father, mentor, and businessman, Russ leads with purpose and heart. No one represents the values and spirit of the PGA more authentically than Russ Libby.
Bill Hughes, MPGA | Glen Kernan Club, Jacksonville, FL | PGA of America Bill Strausbaugh Award, 2015
Russ has been a dedicated leader and mentor in the North Florida PGA for more than 30 years, serving in every capacity with a steadfast commitment to supporting fellow PGA Professionals and strengthening our network. His depth of experience, collaborative leadership style, and passion for service make him well prepared to meet the challenges ahead. Russ is ready to serve the membership and continue advancing and growing the game of golf.
Matt Borocz, PGA | TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL | President, North Florida PGA
Russ has been a leader, mentor and, most importantly, a friend during my time as a Section Officer. His leadership in District 13, along with his knowledge and love of The PGA of America, makes Russ Libby the perfect person to be our next Secretary.
Mike Miller, PGA | Big Canoe Golf Course, Big Canoe, GA
I have known Russ through PGA Governance for the last 20 years and he truly is the consummate PGA Member who puts Members first in everything he does. He is driven by what he can do to make the PGA Members, Sections, and Chapters better. Russ is truly committed in being PGA Member-centric in everything the Association does.
Mark VanDyk, PGA | The Golf Club at Via Mizner, Boca Raton, FL | PGA Board of Direcgtors, 2019-2022 | South Florida PGA President, 2015-2017
I’m proud to endorse Russ Libby, PGA for Secretary of the PGA of America. I’ve known Russ for more than 25 years, and throughout that time he has consistently demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to serving PGA of America Golf Professionals. He listens, leads with purpose, and always puts the good of the Association first. Russ has the experience and character to help guide our organization forward.
Kennie Sims, PGA | First Tee - Tampa Bay
How fortunate and grateful I am to know and have collaborated with Russ Libby these past twenty years, and now support his candidacy for Secretary of the PGA of America. From project and idea development to our numerous discussions regarding the role of PGA Professionals in the great game of golf, Russ has always exhibited passion, empathy, foresight, the want to listen and serve as a resource as we progress as an Association and industry.
Len Dumas, PGA | President, California Alliance for Golf | Executive Director, Northern California PGA, 2018-2025
Russ Libby is a steady, thoughtful leader who understands the responsibility behind the role of Secretary. He communicates with clarity, respects the governance process, and approaches decisions with sound judgment. Just as important, he will remain focused on serving the PGA Members and representing their best interests ahead of his own. Russ is a humble, trusted leader who will represent the PGA of America well and has my full support for Secretary of the PGA.
Tom Wildenhaus, MPGA | Olde Florida Golf Club, Naples, FL | South Florida PGA Past President
I first met Russ Libby in 2018 after moving to Florida, when we began serving together on the board for Florida’s First Coast of Golf. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Russ on advocacy efforts in both Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. As a PGA Member for more than 27 years working in seven different states, I’ve met a lot of PGA Professionals, and Russ stands out as one of the most genuine, sincere, passionate, and respected people I’ve encountered. He leads with integrity, character, and a true commitment to supporting PGA Members and growing the game in a meaningful way. I can’t think of anyone better suited to serve as Secretary of the PGA of America, and I’m proud to endorse Russ Libby.
Lon Grundy, PGA | Chief Operating Officer, World Golf Village
Russ is the consummate professional. His consensus-driven servant leadership style is approachable and trusted at every level. Known for his steady, consistent leadership, he strengthened Florida’s First Coast of Golf when he served as Chairman of the Board by establishing a reserve policy to ensure long-term stability while positioning the organization for future opportunities.
Dave Reese | President, Florida's First Coast of Golf
Russ Libby has devoted his life to the PGA of America. His commitment to improving employment, compensation and education are at the heart of the legacy he will bring to his leadership. Plus he always answers our critics in a positive trusted manner. Russ will make a difference!
Greg Lecker, PGA | PGA Life Member, Chattanooga, TN
I have had the pleasure to be friends with and work with Russ for over 30 years. His progression from private clubs, resorts to daily fee facilities affords Russ the ability to relate to all PGA members.
His service record with the PGA of America is extensive and impressive. 30+ years of volunteering in various capacities at the section and national level. Having served as Section President, PGA Board of Control and PGA National Board of Directors Russ has a deep understanding of the PGA and how he can use this experience to help his fellow members. Russ will be an outstanding Officer for the PGA of America!
Troy Sprister | General Manager/COO, Worcester Country Club, Worcester, MA
I have had the honor of knowing Russ for more than 15 years. He is the consummate professional in everything he does. He has been on countless chapter and North Florida PGA committees and has served on the Section board. He is highly respected in our Section and nationwide.
As a golf course owner and operator he wears a lot of hats and handles them very well, but he always makes sure his wife and kids are at the top of the priority list. Russ is a man of high integrity and I will stand by him as he runs for National Secretary. He will truly be an asset to the PGA at the national level.
David Damesworth, PGA, TPI | Orange Tree Golf Club, Orlando, FL | NPGA Director
